Patent US3688909A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3688909A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Floating self adjusting skimmer
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1970-06-04
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Granted: 1972-09-05
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Expires: 1990-06-04
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a skimming mechanism for removing all or part of a first liquid from the surface of a second liquid. A pivoted receptacle having a weir is buoyed to position the weir adjacent the interface of the liquids. Liquids accumulating in the receptacle are withdrawn for disposal. A stabilizing member extends around a substantial portion of the periphery of the skimmer to prevent submergence of the weir due to wave or current movement of the liquids.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul E Titus
- 👤 James R Hanson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:08
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B15/00; E02B15/04; E02B15/10; E02B15/106; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/918; Y10S210/922; Y10S210/923
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
A floating skimmer for use on a body of liquids for skimming a first liquid overlying a second liquid comprising a buoyaNt platform provided with a recess on at least one side thereof; a receptacle positioned in the recess having a weir on one side thereof and a compartment below the weir for collecting liquids passing thereover; means movably mounting the receptacle on the platform for adjusting the weir in a generally up and down direction by pivoting the receptacle about its axis; buoyant means in the compartment and secured below the weir to the receptacle for moving the weir upwardly by imparting a buoyant moment thereto upon excessive filling of the compartment and for moving the weir downwardly by a gravitational moment upon insufficient filling of the compartment; position adjusting means coordinating with the buoyant means for adjusting the position of the receptacle comprising weights removably attached to a wall of the receptacle away from the pivot axis thereof; an intake conduit, for connection to a pump, extending into the compartment for removing liquids accumulated therein; and means stabilizing the platform for substantially preventing submergence thereof caused by movement of the liquids, the stabilizing means comprising a member extending beyond the periphery of the platform along a substantial portion thereof presenting an upwardly inclined downwardly facing surface to the moving liquids.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
A floating skimmer for use on a body of liquids for skimming a first liquid overlying a second liquid comprising a buoyaNt platform provided with a recess on at least one side thereof; a receptacle positioned in the recess having a weir on one side thereof and a compartment below the weir for collecting liquids passing thereover; means movably mounting the receptacle on the platform for adjusting the weir in a generally up and down direction by pivoting the receptacle about its axis; buoyant means in the compartment and secured below the weir to the receptacle for moving the weir upwardly by imparting a buoyant moment thereto upon excessive filling of the compartment and for moving the weir downwardly by a gravitational moment upon insufficient filling of the compartment; position adjusting means coordinating with the buoyant means for adjusting the position of the receptacle comprising weights removably attached to a wall of the receptacle away from the pivot axis thereof; an intake conduit, for connection to a pump, extending into the compartment for removing liquids accumulated therein; and means stabilizing the platform for substantially preventing submergence thereof caused by movement of the liquids, the stabilizing means comprising a member extending beyond the periphery of the platform along a substantial portion thereof presenting an upwardly inclined downwardly facing surface to the moving liquids.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The floating skimmer of claim 1 further comprising a foraminous member on the open end of the intake conduit for preventing ingress of flotsam thereinto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The floating skimmer of claim 1 wherein the buoyant means comprises a solid buoyant member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The floating skimmer of claim 1 wherein the receptacle comprises a 55 gallon drum and the pivotable mounting means mounts the 55 gallon drum for pivotal movement about the axis thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
96 words
The floating skimmer of claim 1 further comprising a second receptacle having a weir and a compartment below the weir for receiving liquids passing therethrough; means pivotably mounting the second receptacle on another side of the platform for adjusting the position of the weir; buoyant means in the compartment of the second receptacle and secured to the second receptacle for pivoting the same to position the weir adjacent the interface of the liquids; and a second intake conduit, for connection to a pump, extending into the compartment of the second receptacle for removing liquids accumulated therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The floating skimmer of claim 5 wherein the platform is of generally quadrilateral outline providing a recess on opposite sides thereof; and the first and second receptacles are positioned in the recesses.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The floating skimmer of claim 5 wherein the platform is of generally quadrilateral outline providing a recess on adjacent sides thereof; and the first and second receptacles are positioned in the recesses.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The floating skimmer of claim 1 wherein the stabilizing member extends substantially continuously along the periphery of the unrecessed portion of the platform.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The floating skimmer of claim 1 wherein the lower portion of the stabilizing member is secured to the platform substantially at the water line.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-05 | 1976-03-06 | 1976-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-05 | 1980-03-06 | 1980-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-05 | 1984-03-06 | 1984-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |